Looking for simple summertime ideas for your church? Why not plan something fun outdoors, and add an outreach purpose to intentionally welcome guests. Here are five ideas:
Outdoor ukulele lessons. Offer group ukulele lessons weekly during summer months. Or form a drum circle, kitchen band, guitar jam, or harmonica hoedown. Set up chairs for lessons on the church lawn, with extra seating for onlookers. Kids, seniors, singles, and entire families will enjoy it, but be certain to include many guests, too.
Red, white, & blue drive-thru. Invite your community to drive through the church parking lot for free red, white, and blues snowcones on July 4. Play patriotic music and use helium balloons to designate a drive-through lane. Happy volunteers work quickly to avoid lines, and guests receive a “Happy 4th! See you on Sunday!” greeting along with a snowcone.
Host the community. Use church facilities to host a library story time, horseshoe or corn-hole tournament, new neighbors welcome coffee, or moms and kids playground hour. If you have a gym, host kids’ or teen gym time, pickup basketball, walking track, or singles’ volleyball tourney.
Vacation Bible School as outreach. Challenge every church member to invite at least one unchurched child they know. Deliver invitations to homes near the church. Do a Saturday outdoor registration booth. Follow up after VBS to invite guests to worship.
Bring a lawn chair. Host a concert on the church lawn. Use an excellent sound system and quality musicians. Include some Christian songs. Set a fun, relaxed atmosphere with stringed patio lights, outdoor fans, and lemonade. If it’s successful, plan weekly concerts next summer.
Does one of these ignite a summer idea that will fit your church? Focus on outreach by advertising through social media, word of mouth, and an outdoor banner. Plan well, then relax and have fun. Guests will see Christian fellowship at its best, and you’ll have opportunities to help them know God. Summer days are fleeting! Don’t miss an opportunity to shine for Jesus.
“Make the most of every opportunity…” (Ephesians 5:16).
© Diana Davis is an author, columnist, and minister’s wife in Pensacola Beach. dianadavis.org